Customer Story with Pandas

These programs give participants a unique experience of getting close contact with giant pandas. During the programs, participants not only learn about giant pandas, but also work with skilled panda keepers and researchers in taking care of the pandas. At the end of the program, each participant is issued a certificate which proves their volunteering at the base.

Program Length

A volunteer program lasts 1 to 3 days. Activities can be flexible and the programs can be redesigned according to different group sizes, available time, participants' needs and interests and other factors. Contact us to sign up for a volunteer program!

How the story begins?

Andreas and Vlasta are from Germany. They love pandas and wanted to visit hometown to get closer to the world treasure. Andreas contacted some travel agency and found that China Highlights was the only travel company that offered panda keeper program at that time. He sent email and got response from Travel Advisor, Lissy very quickly. Finally Andreas arrived at Chengdu in 2007 and enjoyed the in-depth touch to pandas. Since 2007 with the exception of 2008 due to the earthquake, they visited Wolong, Ya’an and the Panda Base in Chengdu every year in March or November. So far Andreas have visited Chengdu seven times and adopted five pandas.

Why they love pandas so much?

Andreas said: The pandas are our life's work. These animals have never left us, and the struggle for its existence is the most important thing we can do in our life. We want to leave our children and grandchildren in a world where there are at least more than 2,000 wild Giant Pandas in habit in Sichuan Province, China.

Vlasta said: The Giant Panda is the symbol for a long life on our planet and a rare species that has survived many climate changes and natural disasters and to continue to survive. Only a planet with many species is worth living, with all its diversity and variety.

What they did in Chengdu? See Vlasta’s Story

In November 2011, I traveled for the first time to China, with the aim: to meet the Giant Pandas and take care of them. I made the journey together with Andreas. China Highlights professionally organized tours to the Ya'an Bi Feng Xia Base and to Chengdu. The excitement was great, finally I'll meet the black and white nature, and I would care of them in the wonderful home of the Giant Pandas: China.

The first day was so full of expectation and indescribable, I was just upset. The beautiful landscape that I saw out of the moving car was fabulous. The tension grew with each new curve and finally I was at the finish of my dreams: Bi Feng Xia Base. At first I only saw the administration building and then it went down the mountainous road: there, quite close, I saw him sitting my dream beings: the Giant Panda eating breakfast. And soon I'm quite close to him, only a few formalities, overalls and already I should make the rooms clean. My master was very good teacher and I would act without Claudia lost. She was a great help. After the clean-up, I could bear the bamboo poles. Ah, that was a challenge for me beginners! The rods to carry, requires skill and ability. Only with the perseverance you done the hard work.

The most beautiful moment of nursing is the feeding of the beloved Giant Pandas. His smacking sounds, his looks and his confidence have been the most glorious moments in my life and it always will be. I should take care of two wonderful boys: Tai Shan, the superstar and Fu Long, the gentlest boy, who was born in Europe. I was very proud and happy that I could be my beloved Giant Pandas so close.

It is each recommended to China to come and take care of the Giant Pandas in Chengdu. You will better understand why they should be protected and saved from extinction.

About Their Organizations

In 2012, Andreas founded a small non-profit organization "Giant Panda Friends International" in Germany to protect the Giant Pandas to raising funds to support the Pandas in China. So far he already adopted five Giant Pandas.

Their organization accept donation from people who love pandas. Every penny will be 100% used for pandas in Chengdu, e.g. purchasing new climbing equipment for the young Giant Pandas. The organization will send donor a certificate (PDF) by email.